If you are a Christopher Nolan fan, there is no doubt that you have seen his best films.
His work is well received in the industry and his films always create amazing box office earnings.
Christopher Nolan is a director who has been able to take risks when it comes to the type of movies he chooses.
From Memento and Insomnia, to Inception and The Prestige, every single one of his films have been different from one another.
But which ones are the best?
Did you know Christopher Nolan directed the best movies of all time? he has been nominated for 5 Academy Awards, and won 4 of them.
He is also one of only eight directors to have won 3 times.
With a net worth estimated at $450 million USD, it’s no wonder that his movies are so popular! Read on to find out which ones were voted as the best by some critics.
Christopher Nolan is a critically acclaimed director and has made some of the best movies in recent history.
From mind-bending sci-fi thrillers like Inception to moody, atmospheric dramas like Dunkirk, Christopher Nolan’s films are powerful pieces of art that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Christopher Nolan is an English filmmaker who came into prominence with his second feature film Memento (2000).
His first blockbuster hit was Batman Begins which spawned two sequels The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises as well as paving the way for other superhero franchises such as Iron Man and Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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Best Christopher Nolan Movies
Christopher Nolan is one of the most famous directors in Hollywood.
He’s made some of the best movies in recent history, such as Inception and The Dark Knight.
There are plenty of Christopher Nolan movies to watch on Netflix, so here are five that you should watch first!
Inception (2010)
Inception
Your mind is the scene of the crime.
2010 • 2h 28min • ★ 8.368/10 • United Kingdom
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ken Watanabe, Tom Hardy, Elliot Page
Cobb, a skilled thief who commits corporate espionage by infiltrating the subconscious of his targets is offered a chance to regain his old life as payment for a task considered to be impossible: "inception", the implantation of another person's idea into a target's subconscious.
Inception, directed by Christopher Nolan, is a science fiction thriller that explores the possibility of entering and manipulating people’s dreams to extract information.
The film follows Dom Cobb, a skilled thief and “extractor” who is hired by wealthy businessman Saito to carry out the seemingly impossible task of “inception” – planting an idea in someone’s mind through their dreams.
Dom, haunted by his own past and desperate to return to his family, assembles a team of experts to help him with the mission.
Among them are Ariadne, a brilliant architect who can design and construct dream worlds; Eames, a skilled forger; Yusuf, a chemist who can create powerful sedatives; and Arthur, Dom’s trusted partner and point man.
As they navigate through various dream levels, each team member must confront their own subconscious fears and desires, while fighting off dangerous projections and the manipulations of their target’s subconscious.
If you like Christopher Nolan’s work, on our sister site AuteurGraph we have a profile page, a visual film timeline, and a ratings page that gives a tonne of info and data about their career in a visualized form.
Meanwhile, Dom is plagued by memories of his wife, Mal, who continues to appear in his dreams and threaten the mission’s success.
Inception is a stunning achievement in both visual effects and storytelling, weaving together complex concepts and high-octane action with emotional depth and philosophical themes.
The film’s exploration of the nature of reality, the power of the mind, and the blurred lines between dream and reality, makes it an unforgettable and thought-provoking experience.
With a talented cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio, Inception is a must-see film for any science fiction or thriller fan.
![Inception (2010) (Steelbook) [Blu-ray] [Region Free]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51wvOlXHctL.jpg)
Batman Begins (2005)
Batman Begins
Evil fears the knight.
2005 • 2h 20min • ★ 7.712/10 • United Kingdom
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes, Gary Oldman
Driven by tragedy, billionaire Bruce Wayne dedicates his life to uncovering and defeating the corruption that plagues his home, Gotham City. Unable to work within the system, he instead creates a new identity, a symbol of fear for the criminal underworld - The Batman.
Directed by Christopher Nolan, Batman Begins is the first installment in the Dark Knight trilogy and serves as an origin story for the iconic comic book hero.
The film stars Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman, alongside an all-star cast that includes Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes, and Gary Oldman.
The film begins with a young Bruce Wayne witnessing the murder of his parents, which sets him on a path of vengeance and justice.
After traveling the world and training with the League of Shadows, led by the enigmatic Ra’s al Ghul (Neeson), Bruce returns to Gotham City to battle crime and corruption as the Caped Crusader.
As Batman, Bruce battles a number of iconic villains, including the Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy) and the menacing crime lord Carmine Falcone (Tom Wilkinson), while working to dismantle a larger criminal conspiracy that threatens to destroy Gotham from within.
What sets Batman Begins apart from other superhero films is its emphasis on character development and psychological depth.
Nolan and his team use the story of Bruce Wayne’s transformation into Batman to explore themes of fear, identity, and the nature of heroism.
The film’s dark, brooding tone and stunning visuals also make it a standout in the genre.
![Batman Begins (4K Uhd) - Movie [Blu-ray] [2005]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/510IPEFnHCL.jpg)
- Caine, Michael, Neeson, Liam, Bale, Christian (Actors)
- Nolan, Christopher (Director)
- French, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Danish (Subtitles)
BEST CHRISTOPHER NOLAN MOVIES
Who Is Christopher Nolan?
Christopher Nolan is a critically acclaimed director. He has directed some of the most successful films in recent history, such as Memento, The Dark Knight trilogy, and Inception.
Nolan’s work often deals with his fascination with time and its ability to make people forget events that have happened.
His characters are often attempting to either protect themselves or their loved ones from being forgotten by others or trying to find more information about themselves through various means of memory recollection that may not always be reliable.
The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight
Welcome to a world without rules.
2008 • 2h 32min • ★ 8.519/10 • United Kingdom
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine, Maggie Gyllenhaal
Batman raises the stakes in his war on crime. With the help of Lt. Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to dismantle the remaining criminal organizations that plague the streets. The partnership proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a reign of chaos unleashed by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as the Joker.
The Dark Knight, directed by Christopher Nolan, is the second installment in the filmmaker’s trilogy of Batman movies.
The film stars Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman, who teams up with Gotham City’s new district attorney,
Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), to take down the city’s rising criminal underworld, led by the Joker (Heath Ledger).
Nolan’s direction is sharp, and his screenplay is both thoughtful and thrilling. The film is driven by strong performances, particularly from Ledger, who gives an iconic turn as the Joker, creating a character that is both terrifying and mesmerizing.
Bale is also excellent as Batman, bringing depth and complexity to the character.
The film is well-paced and full of action, but it’s also a thought-provoking exploration of morality and justice.
The conflict between Batman and the Joker is a battle of ideologies, with Batman trying to protect the innocent and uphold the law, while the Joker seeks to undermine everything and everyone in his path.
![The Dark Knight (Blu-ray + DVD) [2008] [Region Free]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51eX7oDXzGL.jpg)
Interstellar (2014)
Interstellar
Mankind was born on Earth. It was never meant to die here.
2014 • 2h 49min • ★ 8.454/10 • United Kingdom
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine, Jessica Chastain, Casey Affleck
The adventures of a group of explorers who make use of a newly discovered wormhole to surpass the limitations on human space travel and conquer the vast distances involved in an interstellar voyage.
Interstellar is a science fiction film directed by Christopher Nolan, starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, and Jessica Chastain.
The film is set in a dystopian future where Earth is dying due to a global crop blight, and humanity is on the brink of extinction.
In an attempt to save the human race, a group of astronauts is sent through a wormhole in search of a new habitable planet.
McConaughey plays Cooper, a former pilot who is recruited for the mission and leaves behind his young daughter, Murph (Mackenzie Foy).
The crew consists of Dr. Brand (Hathaway), Doyle (Wes Bentley), and Romilly (David Gyasi).
As they travel through the wormhole, they face a series of obstacles and challenges, including the effects of time dilation, black holes, and the betrayal of a crew member.
The film’s visual effects are stunning, particularly in the portrayal of the wormhole and the black hole.
The sound design and Hans Zimmer’s score are also notable, creating a tense and atmospheric experience for the viewer.
Interstellar explores themes of love, time, and the human condition, with McConaughey’s character motivated by the desire to save his family and the human race.
The film also includes a surprising twist that raises questions about the nature of reality and the possibility of time travel.
![Interstellar [Blu-ray] [2014] [Region Free]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Lrz5EhNUS.jpg)
- Matthew McConaughey (Actor)
- English, Castilian, Danish, Finnish, German (Subtitles)
Insomnia (2002)
Insomnia
A tough cop. A brilliant killer. An unspeakable crime.
2002 • 1h 58min • ★ 6.943/10 • United States of America
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Al Pacino, Robin Williams, Hilary Swank, Martin Donovan, Nicky Katt
Two Los Angeles homicide detectives are dispatched to a northern town where the sun doesn't set to investigate the methodical murder of a local teen.
Insomnia Insomnia is a 2002 psychological thriller film directed by Christopher Nolan and co-written by Nolan and Howard Gordon.
It is a remake of the 1997 Norwegian film of the same name, which was adapted from the novel of the same name by Tor Åge Bringsværd.
The plot revolves around two Los Angeles homicide detectives who travel to a northern town in Alaska to investigate the murder of a young girl, only to be met with hostility and mysterious circumstances.
The film stars Al Pacino, Robin Williams, and Hilary Swank.
Pacino plays William Dormer, a detective who comes to Innsbruck, Alaska, to investigate the murder of a teenage girl.
He is partnered with Hap Eckhart (Williams), an experienced detective who has reached a crisis in his life after his wife’s death.
The body is found under unusual circumstances, leading both men to believe that something sinister is occurring in the town.
- French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, English (Subtitles)
Dunkirk (2017)
Dunkirk
When 400,000 men couldn't get home, home came for them.
2017 • 1h 47min • ★ 7.45/10 • United Kingdom
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Fionn Whitehead, Tom Hardy, Mark Rylance, Kenneth Branagh, Cillian Murphy
The story of the miraculous evacuation of Allied soldiers from Belgium, Britain, Canada and France, who were cut off and surrounded by the German army from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk between May 26th and June 4th 1940 during World War II.
“Dunkirk” is a American war film directed by Christopher Nolan and written by him and his brother Jonathan.
The film stars Fionn Whitehead, Tom Hardy, Kenneth Branagh, Harry Styles, Aneurin Barnard and James D’Arcy.
The plot follows the 1940 evacuation of British soldiers from Dunkirk in France during World War II with the help of civilians on land who provide support to them on their journey back home.
The movie was released in theaters on July 27th 2017 and since then has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture as well as other awards including two Golden Globe Awards which it won for Best Director (Christopher Nolan) and best original score (Hans Zimmer).
![Dunkirk [Blu-ray + Digital Download] [2017] [Region Free]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Kn3+2pnhL.jpg)
- Polish Release, cover may contain Polish text/markings. The disk has English audio.
- English (Subtitle)
Memento (2000)
Memento
Some memories are best forgotten.
2000 • 1h 53min • ★ 8.178/10 • United States of America
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone Junior, Russ Fega
Leonard Shelby is tracking down the man who raped and murdered his wife. The difficulty of locating his wife's killer, however, is compounded by the fact that he suffers from a rare, untreatable form of short-term memory loss. Although he can recall details of life before his accident, Leonard cannot remember what happened fifteen minutes ago, where he's going, or why.
Memento is a psychological thriller directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Guy Pearce.
The film follows the story of Leonard Shelby, a man with short-term memory loss who is trying to track down the man who raped and murdered his wife.
As he cannot remember anything beyond a few minutes, he has to rely on photographs, notes and tattoos on his body to remind himself of his mission.
The film is told in a non-linear narrative, with the scenes alternating between color and black-and-white sequences.
The color sequences tell the story in reverse chronological order, while the black-and-white sequences show the events leading up to the murder in chronological order.
This unique storytelling technique keeps the audience on their toes, forcing them to piece together the events of the story alongside Leonard.
As the story unfolds, we begin to question the accuracy of Leonard’s memories and his perception of reality.
The film explores themes of identity, memory, and perception, and the blurred lines between truth and deception.
Guy Pearce delivers a standout performance as Leonard, bringing an intensity and vulnerability to the character.
The supporting cast, which includes Carrie-Anne Moss and Joe Pantoliano, also deliver strong performances, adding depth and complexity to the story.
![Memento [Blu-ray] [2000]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51xBAY4fBiL.jpg)
- Polish Release, cover may contain Polish text/markings. The disk has English audio.
- English (Subtitle)
Tenet (2020)
Tenet
Time runs out.
2020 • 2h 30min • ★ 7.181/10 • United Kingdom
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Cast: John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Kenneth Branagh, Dimple Kapadia
Armed with only one word - Tenet - and fighting for the survival of the entire world, the Protagonist journeys through a twilight world of international espionage on a mission that will unfold in something beyond real time.
Tenet is a post-apocalyptic science fiction film written and directed by Christopher Nolan.
It was produced by Nolan and Emma Thomas through their company Syncopy Films, and released on May 31, 2020.
Set in the year 2020, it tells the story of a group of mercenaries who must fight for survival in a devastated United States as they are hunted down by soldiers from a private military corporation.
The screenplay was written by Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan, based on an original story idea by Jonathan Nolan.
- John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki (Actors)
- Christopher Nolan (Director) - Emma Thomas (Producer)
- Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
The Prestige (2006)
The Prestige
Are You Watching Closely?
2006 • 2h 10min • ★ 8.203/10 • United Kingdom
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Piper Perabo, Rebecca Hall
A mysterious story of two magicians whose intense rivalry leads them on a life-long battle for supremacy -- full of obsession, deceit and jealousy with dangerous and deadly consequences.
“The Prestige” (2006) is a psychological thriller directed by Christopher Nolan, based on the novel by Christopher Priest.
The film follows the story of two magicians, Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale), who become fierce rivals after a tragic accident that leaves Angier’s wife dead during a performance.
As their rivalry intensifies, they both become obsessed with creating the ultimate illusion, leading them down a path of deceit and betrayal.
The film is set in late 19th-century London and features stunning visuals and a captivating story that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
The characters are complex and well-developed, with Jackman and Bale delivering standout performances as the two leads.
The supporting cast, which includes Michael Caine and Scarlett Johansson, also delivers strong performances.
One of the film’s strongest elements is its non-linear narrative structure, which adds to the mystery and suspense of the story.
The film jumps back and forth in time, with each scene building upon the last to create a complex web of deception and misdirection.
The film’s use of a dual narrative, featuring both Angier and Borden’s perspectives, adds another layer of complexity to the story.
![The Prestige [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41L9mtET1BL.jpg)
- Factory sealed DVD
- Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Michael Caine (Actors)
- Christopher Nolan (Director)
- French, Spanish (Subtitles)
- English (Publication Language)
Following (1998)
Following
You're never alone.
1999 • 1h 9min • ★ 7.148/10 • United Kingdom
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Jeremy Theobald, Alex Haw, Lucy Russell, John Nolan, Dick Bradsell
Bill, an idle, unemployed aspiring writer, walks the crowded streets of London following randomly chosen strangers, a seemingly innocent entertainment that becomes dangerous when he crosses paths with a mysterious character.
Following is the debut feature film from acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan, who went on to direct such blockbuster hits as The Dark Knight trilogy, Inception, and Dunkirk.
The film follows a young, unnamed writer who is obsessed with following strangers in order to glean inspiration for his writing.
One day, he follows a well-dressed man named Cobb and finds himself drawn into the world of burglary and crime.
As the writer becomes increasingly involved with Cobb and his criminal exploits, he begins to question the moral implications of his actions.
Shot on a shoestring budget over the course of a year, Following is a gritty and stylish noir that showcases Nolan’s unique visual style and narrative skill.
The non-linear structure of the film keeps the audience on their toes as they try to piece together the fractured timeline of events, while the stark black and white cinematography adds to the film’s gritty, urban feel.
At its core, Following is a meditation on the nature of obsession and the consequences of giving in to our darkest impulses.
While it may not have the grand scale or complex plotting of Nolan’s later films, Following is a fascinating and compelling debut that offers a tantalizing glimpse into the mind of one of the most talented filmmakers of his generation.
![Following (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41oUkKbKj-L.jpg)
- Factory sealed DVD
- Alex Haw, Lucy Russell (Actors)
- Christopher Nolan (Director)
- English (Subtitle)
- English (Publication Language)
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
The Dark Knight Rises
The legend ends.
2012 • 2h 45min • ★ 7.784/10 • United Kingdom
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Anne Hathaway
Following the death of District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman assumes responsibility for Dent's crimes to protect the late attorney's reputation and is subsequently hunted by the Gotham City Police Department. Eight years later, Batman encounters the mysterious Selina Kyle and the villainous Bane, a new terrorist leader who overwhelms Gotham's finest. The Dark Knight resurfaces to protect a city that has branded him an enemy.
“The Dark Knight Rises” is a superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, and Anne Hathaway.
The final chapter in Nolan’s “Dark Knight” trilogy, the film follows Batman as he returns to Gotham City to confront the villainous Bane, who has taken over the city with a violent revolution.
The film is a stunning visual and narrative achievement, featuring intense action sequences, emotionally charged performances, and a thought-provoking exploration of power, justice, and sacrifice.
Bale gives a powerful performance as Bruce Wayne/Batman, while Hathaway’s portrayal of the complex and cunning Catwoman adds an element of intrigue to the story.
Tom Hardy’s Bane is a formidable and unforgettable villain, driven by a twisted sense of justice and a desire for control.
The film’s themes of oppression and revolution are timely and relevant, as the citizens of Gotham are forced to confront the consequences of their actions and the power of their collective will.
- Bale, Christian, Hardy, Tom, Hathaway, Anne (Actors)
- Nolan, Christopher (Director)
- Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
Christopher Nolan’s Directing Style
Christopher Nolan is one of the most renowned directors in Hollywood.
His films are known for their unique and creative directing style, often making use of long takes to create more suspenseful scenes.
Christopher Nolan is a critically acclaimed director who has received an Academy Award for Best Picture and three nominations.
His directing style ranges from intense to dark, but always captivating.
In order to be successful in the industry, one must have talent and good looks; however, Christopher Nolan proves that it’s possible to make a name for oneself with only intelligence and hard work.
He started out as an independent filmmaker and now he has made his mark on Hollywood by writing, producing, or directing over fifteen films including Interstellar which was nominated for five Oscars.
Christopher Nolan can teach us all something about making your dreams come true: don’t give up on them until you’ve given it everything you’ve got!
Christopher Nolan is one of the most successful and well-known directors in Hollywood.
His directing style is often lauded for being innovative, even revolutionary, and it has been widely copied by other filmmakers.
He has a penchant for using practical effects over CGI to create his films and he also shoots on film instead of digital video.
These two choices have helped him cultivate an aesthetic that is unique from many modern filmmakers today.
Christopher Nolan’s Directing Tips
Christopher Nolan is a man of many talents.
In addition to being one of the most acclaimed directors in Hollywood, he also has a hand in producing, screenwriting and cinematography.
With such an impressive resume it’s no wonder that his directing tips are sought after by people from all over the world.
Learn how to be a better filmmaker with these five tips from Christopher Nolan.
Christopher Nolan is an acclaimed director and writer with a keen eye for detail.
He has directed some of the most successful films in recent history, including Memento, The Dark Knight Rises, Inception, Interstellar and Dunkirk.
Christopher Nolan’s first tip: don’t be afraid to get creative with the camera angles.
Don’t always stick to one angle when filming a scene- switch it up!
Try using high angles or low angles if they work well for the story you are trying to tell. Another way to spice things up is by changing your focal
Christopher Nolan is considered one of the best directors in Hollywood.
He has created a legacy with his masterpieces such as Memento, Inception and The Dark Knight.
What are some tips that he could give to aspiring directors?
Christopher Nolan is one of the most revered directors of all time. He’s also a master when it comes to directing actors.
Here are some tips from him on how he directs his actors in order to get better performances out of them:
1. Spend more time with your actors and establish trust with them before shooting, as well make sure they’re comfortable on set.
2. Identify what you want from an actor and then allow their personality to shine through while maintaining authenticity.
3. Communicate clearly so that there’s no confusion or anxiety about what needs to be done next by an actor.
4. Give enough room for improvisation without going off-script too much.
5. Let the actor do their own thing but give gentle direction if things need to be pushed forward.
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